Annual ride pays tribute to veterans

Monday

The message to the hospitalized veterans from the more than 160 riders gathered for Sunday's Ride to Remember was a simple and heartfelt thank you.

The riders said thank you with their attendance as they gathered at the Augusta VA Medical Center Uptown Division.

They said thank you with their donations - from robes to toiletries, items the VA can't provide for its patients.

And they said thank you as they shook hands with and talked to the hospitalized veterans who came out to see the bikers off from Uptown and then met the veterans who welcomed them at the Downtown Division.

"Memorial Day is special to us," said John Goldman, the assistant director of the VA Medical Center. "To us, it's not the day the pool opens or a day at the beach. It's all about veterans and what they've down for our country."

This is the fifth year of the ride, which is put on by the District 8 ABATE of Georgia and the Southeastern Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Riders were treated to music, food and drinks at the beginning and end of the ride that was donated by sponsors including the American Legion Family, Georgia and South Carolina; Disabled American Veterans; the Marine Corps League and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Many of the riders Sunday were vets or have vets in their family.

But none of it would have happened without the brave men and women who have served this country, said Nancy James, of ABATE.